Blake Lively’s It ends with us Her co-star Brandon Sklenar defended her on Instagram as rumors continued to circulate about drama between her and her on-screen love interest Justin Baldoni.

Sklenar, who plays Lively’s childhood friend in the film, released a lengthy statement on Tuesday outlining his feelings.

“I wanted to take a minute and address all of the things that are floating around the internet,” he began his statement. “Colleen and the women in this cast represent hope, perseverance and women choosing to live a better life. To denigrate the women who put so much heart and soul into this film because they believe so strongly in its message seems counterproductive and distracts from what this film is about,” he added.

In addition to speculation that Lively and Baldoni – who also directed the film – did not get along, the actress was also criticized for not taking the film’s message about domestic violence seriously enough, with online critics calling her willingness to talk about her wardrobe in the film and her new hair care line disrespectful.

“What did or did not happen behind the scenes does not, and hopefully should not, detract from our intentions in making this film. It has been disheartening to see the amount of negativity being projected online,” Sklenar continued.

He goes on to say that he knows someone who experienced a relationship similar to the one portrayed in the film, and that person says the book “saved their life.” He goes on to stress the “responsibility” the cast and crew have toward victims of abuse.

“Ultimately, it’s meant to spread love and awareness. It’s not meant to make women the ‘villain’ again, let’s get over this together,” he wrote. He ends his message by asking readers to refrain from spreading hate online.

Aside from posting the phone number of a domestic violence hotline in her Instagram story, Lively has not commented on the alleged drama. Baldoni has also avoided the subject.